How to Buy the Best Laptops for Students in Australia

Having a laptop is essential for academic success for students in today’s digital age. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. As a student, you may spend a lot of time on your device. 

Whether you're taking notes in class, writing essays, or doing research, it's important to have the best laptops for college or schools - a laptop that can meet your demands. Read on to learn how to buy the best laptops for students in Australia. But, before this, let’s take a look at statistics about student laptops in Australia:

According to a recent study, 

• 90% of Australian students own a laptop.

• The most popular brands of laptops among Australian students are Lenovo, Apple, and Microsoft.

• The most popular screen size for laptops is 13 inches.

• The most popular operating system for laptops among Australian students is Windows.

Now, let’s discuss factors in picking the most appropriate laptops for students in Australia.

Consider Your Needs

Consider your needs to pick the best laptops for college or school in Australia. Ask yourself, ‘What will you use the laptop for?’

• Go for a more powerful laptop with a dedicated graphics card if you're studying computer science or engineering.

• Also, you may require a device with a high-resolution screen and color accuracy. 

• Take the time to research the specifications required for your course of study.

In addition, you should not spend much money on a high-powered laptop if you just use it for basic tasks like word processing and web browsing. But if you plan on using it for more demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, then try to invest in a more powerful machine.

Operating System

Your personal preferences and academic requirements determine the choice of operating system. Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS are the three major operating systems.

• Windows: The most common choice is Windows laptops reason. They are versatile and compatible with a large number of software applications. They are commonly used for educational institutions, offering a plethora of options to choose from. Windows is a safe bet if you need to run specific software for your coursework.

If you enjoy or are involved in multimedia projects, you can find Windows laptops with more choices, like dedicated graphics cards and a wider selection of gaming-related software.

• macOS: Another option is macOS, which may also be a good choice if you're a design, art, or media student. MacBooks come with high-resolution displays, sleek design, and robust built quality. However, they can be expensive for you - in fact, more expensive than their Windows counterparts. Also, these devices have limited Software Compatibility, Limited Customization, Limited Compatibility with Accessories, and Less Variety in Models. 

Plus, repairs and maintenance for macOS-powered systems can be very expensive. Also, ports and connectors may not work with certain accessories and peripherals commonly used in an educational environment.

• Chrome OS: Chromebooks are another OS option for Australian students.  This platform is more budget-friendly and ideal for students who need a simple, lightweight laptop for word processing, web browsing, and basic tasks. Chrome OS is cloud-based, making it one of the best choices for online collaboration.

Choose the Right Size and Weight

The size and weight of a laptop are essential factors to consider, especially if you'll be carrying it around campus. 

• A lightweight laptop is ideal for students who need to move around frequently.

• A 13-inch laptop is a good option for most students as it is portable and has a decent-sized screen. 

However, if you need a larger screen for your work, consider a 15-inch laptop.

Battery Life

Consider the laptop's battery life before making a purchase to avoid any chances of being stuck in a lecture or a study session with a dead battery. 

• Buy laptops with batteries lasting at least 8 hours on a single charge.

• Consider purchasing an external battery pack in case you need more extended battery life.

Besides all these, you must make sure the laptops have the following technical features:

• For most students, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPU processor suffice. But for design, programming, or video editing, opt for a more powerful CPU.

• Go for Solid State Drives (SSD) and Hard Disk Drives (HDD). SSDs offer faster performance and are more durable. You can also choose a 256GB SSD and additional HDD storage to ensure a balance of performance and storage.

• For general student use, 8GB of RAM is great but opt for 16GB or more if you require more power.

• A laptop with a dedicated graphics card is recommended for students whose studies involve graphic-intensive tasks like design and gaming. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right laptop can be daunting if you do not understand your needs. It doesn't have to be. Consider your needs, laptop size, weight, OS, and battery life to find the most appropriate device that caters to your requirements. Also, note that you should research the specifications required for your course of study and read reviews before purchasing. With these tips, you can choose the perfect laptop for your academic needs.